What is the shelf life of ground coffee when stored properly?

Ground coffee has a shelf life of 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness when stored properly in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. This time frame allows the flavors and aromas from the coffee to remain vibrant, as coffee begins to lose its freshness and complexity soon after being ground due to exposure to oxygen.

During the first week after grinding, the coffee will deliver the best flavor profiles, while the second week still provides a decent, though slightly diminished, taste. Beyond this period, the coffee may develop stale flavors that detract from the overall drinking experience.

The other options suggest varying durations for maintaining optimal freshness, but they do not accurately reflect the best timeframe based on the chemical processes that occur after grinding coffee beans. Therefore, the correct answer focuses on the importance of proper storage and the timeline needed to preserve the quality of ground coffee effectively.